SSRFA writes to Sports Ministry for season kick-off

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA) Secretary Niroda Wijerama and his committee have written to Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa with the aim of resuming training and gym work for players ahead of the 2021 schools rugby season.

Wijerama speaking to Daily FT said: “We have already handed over the letter to the Sports Ministry and it should reach the minister soon. Further, I wanted to send one through registered post but unfortunately the Postal department was on strike yesterday.

“We want to start gym training soon and organise the tournament in July/August or September/October according to the dates of the Advanced Level examinations. Further, we will need to get permission from the Education Ministry as well since we also come under them.”

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister is also planning to conduct an Asia Club Sevens event in Sri Lanka with the participation of the best teams in Asia. With the Commanders Cup 2021 ending abruptly, this will be an ideal way for rugby to kick off in the country. 

Schools rugby was last played in March 2020 with many of the top tier teams able to play only two games before COVID-19 grounded the globe and its sports.

Sri Lanka is also scheduled to host the Asia Rugby Under-20 Top Four in November 2021 and the Asia Rugby Sevens third leg in Colombo.